Spiritual Aspects

by Janine Paden Morgan, chaplain and instructor in Bible, Ministry and Missions for Abilene Christian University's ACU in Oxford program
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I want to reflect briefly on two aspects of the human-divine relationship especially relevant to young adults in study abroad contexts. First, it is important for students of faith to have reassurance of a God who is seen as a present companion even in far-flung places, but, secondly, a God whose conception may also need to be modi...

In all great stories, from ancient fairy tales to contemporary movies, the Hero’s journey [i] consists of leaving home, encountering the Other (which leads to a personal crisis), and the return home. The common thread throughout these narratives is the necessity of self-examination brought about through encounters with others different than themselves. A much-overlooked dimension of study abroad programs is the impact such a liminal experience has on the spiritual lives of students. For stud...

by Wendy Williamson, Director of Study Abroad, Eastern Illinois University
One of the reasons why I like working in the field of study abroad is that study abroad changes lives! It changes minds, but it also changes hearts, as people learn more about themselves and better understand each other.
Sure, there are some students who study abroad for the wrong reasons, but there are plenty who go abroad for the right reasons, too. More importantly, study abroad represents a turning-point for...